Hybrid Full Bridge-Voltage Doubler Rectifier and Single Stage LLC Converter Thereof

ABSTRACT

A hybrid rectifier that works as either a hybrid full bridge or a voltage doubler. Under 220 V AC input condition, the hybrid rectifier operates in full bridge mode, while at 110 V AC input, it operates as voltage doubler rectifier. The hybrid rectifier may be used with a DC-DC converter, such as an LLC resonant converter, in a power supply. With this mode switching, the LLC converter resonant tank design only takes consideration of 220 V AC input case, such that the required operational input voltage range is reduced, and the efficiency of the LLC converter is optimized. Both the size and power loss are reduced by using a single stage structure instead of the conventional two-stage configuration.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of ApplicationSer. No. 62/458,649, filed on Feb. 14, 2017, the contents of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

The invention relates to power converters, and more particularly torectifiers and AC-DC power adapters.

BACKGROUND

Demand is ever increasing for AC-DC power adapters with high efficiencyand high power density, especially where portable devices such as laptopcomputers are to be more affordable and portable. Compared with aflyback converter, LLC topology is gaining favor due to the provedhigher efficiency. Previous studies of the LLC-based power adapter werefocused on 90 W-130 W power design, in which two-stage configuration wasprevailing to satisfy both Power Factor Correction (PFC) and the DC-DCconversion requirements. Due to improved semiconductor fabricationprocesses, CPUs now consume less power, and the design of power adaptershas been reduced to 45 W-65 W. Within such power range, power factor isno longer a mandatory requirement, thus it is possible to remove the PFCstage.

For portable devices such as laptop computers, the AC-DC adapter ispreferably designed to be a universal AC input adapted. Conventionally,a full bridge (FB) diode rectifier with a DC link capacitor is used asthe rectification stage between the grid and the LLC converter. However,in order to operate from 90 V AC to 264 V AC, very high DC voltage gainis required for the LLC converter, and such design will degrade theefficiency. To reduce the required operational input voltage range, ahybrid full bridge voltage doubler (FB-VD) rectifier may be used (FIG.1). The design uses the full bridge rectifier for 220 V AC input, whilethe voltage doubler rectifier is used for 110 V AC input. However, theswitch count is high and switch stress is high for conventional singlestage FB-VD rectifiers as shown in FIG. 1. Also, the driving scheme iscomplicated.

SUMMARY

To solve the above problems, provided in the invention are hybrid FB-VDrectifiers that may be used with DC-DC converters to achieve highefficiency, small size, and light weight, in a power adapter.Accordingly, such power adapters are particularly suitable for use withportable devices such as laptop computers, tablets, and cell phones.According to the embodiments, the hybrid FB-VD rectifier works as a fullbridge rectifier for 220 V AC input, while and as a voltage doublerrectifier for 110 V AC input. Embodiments automatically switch betweenfull bridge and voltage doubler operation to accommodate different ACinput conditions.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a firsthybrid FB-VD rectifier.

The first hybrid FB-VD rectifier has two input terminals and two outputterminals. Two capacitors connected in serial are connected between thetwo output terminals.

For the two input terminals and two output terminals, the first hybridFB-VD rectifier provides at least two working modes under 110V AC input.One is just conducting the branch from a first input terminal to a firstoutput terminal and the branch between the connection common point oftwo capacitors and a second input terminal. At the same time, a firstcapacitor is charged and a second capacitor is discharged. The other isjust conducting the branch between the connection common point of twocapacitors and the second input terminal as well as the branch from asecond output terminal to the first input terminal. At the same time,the first capacitor is discharged and the second capacitor is charged.

For the two input terminals and two output terminals, the first hybridFB-VD rectifier provides at least four working modes under 220V ACinput. (1) The branch from the first input terminal to the first outputterminal is conducted. At the same time, both the branch from the secondoutput terminal to the connection common point of two capacitors and theone from the connection common point of two capacitors to the secondinput terminal are conducted. The first capacitor is charged and thesecond capacitor doesn't work. (2) The branch from the second outputterminal to the connection common point of two capacitors is conducted.The first capacitor is discharged and the second capacitor isn'tworking. (3) The branch from the second input terminal to the firstoutput terminal is conducted. At the same time, the branch from thesecond output terminal to the first input terminal is conducted. Boththe first capacitor and the second capacitor are charged. (4) All thebranches excluding the two capacitors are not conducted. Both the firstcapacitor and the second capacitor are discharged.

In some embodiments, the first hybrid FB-VD rectifier comprises fourdiodes, one switch and two capacitors.

The positive terminal of a first diode is connected to both the negativeterminal of a second diode and the first input terminal. The negativeterminal of the first diode is connected to both the negative terminalof a third diode and the positive terminal of the first capacitor. Thepositive terminal of the third diode is connected to both the secondinput terminal and the first terminal of the switch. The positiveterminal of the second diode is connected to both the positive terminalof a fourth diode and the negative terminal of the second capacitor. Thenegative terminal of the fourth diode is connected to the secondterminal of the switch. The positive terminal of the first capacitor isconnected to the first output terminal and its negative terminal isconnected to both the positive terminal of the second capacitor andnegative terminal of the fourth diode. The negative terminal of thesecond capacitor is connected to the second output terminal.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a firstsingle stage LLC converter which comprises the hybrid FB-VD rectifierprovided in the first aspect of the invention and LLC converter. Theoutput terminals of the hybrid FB-VD rectifier are connected to the LLCconverter.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a secondhybrid FB-VD rectifier.

The second hybrid FB-VD rectifier has two input terminals and two outputterminals. It comprises three capacitors and a third capacitor isconnected between the two output terminals.

For the two input terminals and two output terminals, the second hybridFB-VD rectifier provides at least three working modes under 110V ACinput. (1) The branch from a first input terminal to a first outputterminal is conducted. At the same time, the branch between the firstoutput terminal and a second input terminal is conducted through a firstcapacitor, and the branch between a second output terminal and thesecond input terminal is conducted through a second capacitor. The firstand the third capacitors are charged, and the second capacitor isdischarged. (2) The branch between the second input terminal and thefirst output terminal is conducted through the first capacitor. At thesame time, the branch between the second input terminal and the firstinput terminal is conducted through the second capacitor and the secondoutput terminal. The second and the third capacitors are charged, andthe first capacitor is discharged. (3) The branch between the secondoutput terminal and the first output terminal is conducted through boththe first capacitor and the second capacitor. All the three capacitorsare discharged.

For the two input terminals and two output terminals, the second hybridFB-VD rectifier provides at least two working modes under 220V AC input.(1) The branch from the first input terminal to the first outputterminal is conducted. At the same time, the branch from the secondoutput terminal to the second input terminal is conducted. The firstcapacitor and the second capacitor don't work, and the third capacitoris charged. (2) The branch from the second input terminal to the firstoutput terminal is conducted. At the same time, the branch from thesecond output terminal to the first input terminal is conducted. Thefirst capacitor and the second capacitor don't work, and the thirdcapacitor is charged.

In some embodiments, the second hybrid FB-VD rectifier comprises fourdiodes, two switches and three capacitors.

The positive terminal of a first diode is connected to both the negativeterminal of a second diode and the first input terminal. The negativeterminal of the first diode is connected to both the negative terminalof a third diode and the positive terminal of the first capacitor. Thepositive terminal of the third diode is connected to both the secondinput terminal and the second terminal of the first switch. The positiveterminal of the second diode is connected to both the positive terminalof a fourth diode and the second terminal of the second switch. Thenegative terminal of the fourth diode is connected to the positiveterminal of the third diode. The negative terminal of the firstcapacitor is connected to the first terminal of the first switch whosesecond terminal is connected to the positive terminal of the secondcapacitor. The negative terminal of the second capacitor is connected tothe first terminal of the second switch. The positive terminal of thethird capacitor is connected to both the first output terminal and thepositive terminal of the first capacitor, and the negative terminal ofthe third capacitor is connected to both the second output terminal andthe second terminal of the second switch.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided asecond single stage LLC converter which comprises the hybrid FB-VDrectifier provided in the third aspect of the invention and LLCconverter. The output terminals of the hybrid FB-VD rectifier areconnected to the LLC converter.

The hybrid rectifier provided in the invention works as full bridgerectifier for 220 V AC, while the voltage doubler rectifier for 110 VAC. Thus, ideally the resonant tank design of the LLC converter onlyconsiders 220 V AC input case, and the required DC gain will be reducedto a great extent for the single stage LLC converter with the hybridrectifier. Compared with the conventional FB-VD rectifier in the presentsingle stage LLC converter, it has advantages of fewer switch number,reduced switch stress, and simplified driving scheme. Most importantly,the conduction loss in the switches is reduced.

The single stage LLC converter provided in the invention can be used forpower adapter of low-power electronic supplies, such as laptops.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a hybridFB-VD rectifier, comprising: first and second AC input terminals; firstand second DC output terminals; a plurality of diodes; one switch havinga first terminal connected to the second AC input terminal; first andsecond capacitors connected in series between the first and secondoutput terminals, a common point between the first and second capacitorsbeing connected to a second terminal of the switch, the second capacitorbeing connected in parallel with one of the diodes; wherein the hybridFB-VD rectifier operates according to at least first and second workingmodes corresponding to positive and negative portions, respectively, ofa low AC input voltage, the first working mode including the switchconducting in a first direction, the first capacitor charging, and thesecond capacitor discharging to supply a load, and the second workingmode including the switch conducting in a second direction, the secondcapacitor charging, and the first capacitor discharging to supply theload; wherein, for a high AC input voltage, the switch is not active andonly a body diode of the switch conducts during a positive half cycle ofthe high AC input voltage to charge the first capacitor; wherein thehigh AC input voltage is twice the low AC input voltage.

In one embodiment the low AC input voltage is an AC utility of about90-150 V AC, and the high AC input voltage is an AC utility of about200-280 V AC.

In one embodiment the hybrid FB-VD rectifier comprises first, second,third, and fourth diodes; wherein a positive terminal of the first diodeis connected to both a negative terminal of the second diode and thefirst input terminal; a negative terminal of the first diode isconnected to both a negative terminal of a third diode and a positiveterminal of the first capacitor; a positive terminal of the third diodeis connected to both the second input terminal and the first terminal ofthe switch; a positive terminal of the second diode is connected to botha positive terminal of the fourth diode and a negative terminal of thesecond capacitor; a negative terminal of the fourth diode is connectedto the second terminal of the switch; a positive terminal of the firstcapacitor is connected to the first output terminal and a negativeterminal of the first capacitor is connected to both a positive terminalof the second capacitor and a negative terminal of the fourth diode; anegative terminal of the second capacitor is connected to the secondoutput terminal.

In one embodiment the first capacitor is a 400 V rating capacitor andthe second capacitor is a 200 V rating capacitor.

In one embodiment the first capacitor and the second capacitor are ofthe same value in μF.

In one embodiment the first capacitor and the second capacitor are 68μF.

In one embodiment the first, second, third, and fourth diodes are 600 V,1 A and the switch is a 650 V, 190 mOhm MOSFET.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a power supply comprising ahybrid FB-VD rectifier as described above, and a DC-DC converter. TheDC-DC converter may be a LLC resonant converter, LCLC resonantconverter, LCC resonant converter, series resonant converter (SRC),parallel resonant converter (PRC), flyback converter or forwardconverter. The LLC converter may be a single stage LLC convertercomprising a transformer with a turns ratio often.

In one embodiment the low AC input voltage is an AC utility of about90-150 V AC, and the high AC input voltage is an AC utility of about200-280 V AC.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of implementing ahybrid FB-VD rectifier, comprising: providing, for the hybrid FB-VDrectifier: first and second AC input terminals; first and second DCoutput terminals; a plurality of diodes; one switch having a firstterminal connected to the second AC input terminal; first and secondcapacitors connected in series between the first and second outputterminals, a common point between the first and second capacitors beingconnected to a second terminal of the switch, the second capacitor beingconnected in parallel with one of the diodes; the method furthercomprising: operating the hybrid FB-VD rectifier according to at leastfirst and second working modes corresponding to positive and negativeportions, respectively, of a low AC input voltage, the first workingmode including the switch conducting in a first direction, the firstcapacitor charging, and the second capacitor discharging to supply aload, and the second working mode including the switch conducting in asecond direction, the second capacitor charging, and the first capacitordischarging to supply the load; and operating the hybrid FB-VD rectifiersuch that, for a high AC input voltage, the switch is not active andonly a body diode of the switch conducts during a positive half cycle ofthe high AC input voltage to charge the first capacitor.

In one embodiment the low AC input voltage is an AC utility of about90-150 V AC, and the high AC input voltage is an AC utility of about200-280 V AC.

In one embodiment the method comprises implementing the hybrid FB-VDrectifier using first, second, third, and fourth diodes; wherein apositive terminal of the first diode is connected to both a negativeterminal of the second diode and the first input terminal; a negativeterminal of the first diode is connected to both a negative terminal ofa third diode and a positive terminal of the first capacitor; a positiveterminal of the third diode is connected to both the second inputterminal and the first terminal of the switch; a positive terminal ofthe second diode is connected to both a positive terminal of the fourthdiode and a negative terminal of the second capacitor; a negativeterminal of the fourth diode is connected to the second terminal of theswitch; a positive terminal of the first capacitor is connected to thefirst output terminal and a negative terminal of the first capacitor isconnected to both a positive terminal of the second capacitor and anegative terminal of the fourth diode; a negative terminal of the secondcapacitor is connected to the second output terminal.

In one embodiment the first capacitor is a 400 V rating capacitor andthe second capacitor is a 200 V rating capacitor.

In one embodiment the first capacitor and the second capacitor are ofthe same value in μF.

In one embodiment the first capacitor and the second capacitor are 68μF.

In one embodiment the first, second, third, and fourth diodes are 600 V,1 A and the switch is a 650 V, 190 mOhm MOSFET.

The method may comprise implementing the hybrid FB-VD rectifier togetherwith a DC-DC converter in a power supply. The DC-DC converter may be aLLC resonant converter, LCLC resonant converter, LCC resonant converter,series resonant converter (SRC), parallel resonant converter (PRC),flyback converter or forward converter. The LLC converter may be asingle stage LLC converter comprising a transformer with a turns ratioof ten.

In one embodiment the low AC input voltage is an AC utility of about90-150 V AC, and the high AC input voltage is an AC utility of about200-280 V AC.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a FB-VDrectifier, comprising: first and second AC input terminals; first andsecond DC output terminals; a plurality of diodes; a first switchconnected in series with a first capacitor; a second switch connected inseries with a second capacitor; a third capacitor connected between thefirst and second DC output terminals; wherein, for a low AC inputvoltage, the hybrid FB-VD rectifier operates according to at leastfirst, second, and third working modes, the first working modecorresponding to a positive half cycle of the AC input voltage andincluding the first switch conducting to charge the first capacitor andthe second switch conducting to charge third capacitor, and the secondcapacitor discharging; the second working mode corresponding to anegative half cycle of the AC input voltage and including the secondswitch conducting to charge the second capacitor and the first switchconducting to charge third capacitor, and the first capacitordischarging; and the third working mode Including the first and secondswitches conducting and the first, second, and third capacitorsdischarging; wherein, for a high AC input voltage, the first switch andthe second switch are not active and only the third capacitor is chargedand discharged.

In one embodiment the low AC input voltage is an AC utility of about90-150 V AC, and the high AC input voltage is an AC utility of about200-280 V AC.

In one embodiment the FB-VD rectifier comprises first, second, third,and fourth diodes; wherein a positive terminal of the first diode isconnected to both a negative terminal of the second diode and the firstinput terminal; a negative terminal of the first diode is connected toboth a negative terminal of the third diode and a positive terminal ofthe first capacitor; a positive terminal of the third diode is connectedto both the second input terminal and a second terminal of the firstswitch; a positive terminal of the second diode is connected to both apositive terminal of the fourth diode and a second terminal of thesecond switch; a negative terminal of the fourth diode is connected tothe positive terminal of the third diode; a negative terminal of thefirst capacitor is connected to a first terminal of the first switch; asecond terminal of the first switch is connected to a positive terminalof the second capacitor; a negative terminal of the second capacitor isconnected to a first terminal of the second switch; a positive terminalof the third capacitor is connected to both the first output terminaland a positive terminal of the first capacitor, and a negative terminalof the third capacitor is connected to both the second output terminaland the second terminal of the second switch.

In one embodiment the first capacitor and the second capacitor are 200 Vrating capacitors and the third capacitor is a 400 V rating capacitor.

In one embodiment the first capacitor and the second capacitor are ofthe same value in μF.

In one embodiment the first capacitor and the second capacitor are 47 μFand the third capacitor is 22 μF.

In one embodiment the first, second, third, and fourth diodes are 600 V,1 A and the first and second switches are 650 V, 190 mOhm MOSFETs.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a power supply comprising ahybrid FB-VD rectifier as described above, and a DC-DC converter. TheDC-DC converter may be a LLC resonant converter, LCLC resonantconverter, LCC resonant converter, series resonant converter (SRC),parallel resonant converter (PRC), flyback converter or forwardconverter. The LLC converter may be a single stage LLC convertercomprising a transformer with a turns ratio of ten.

In one embodiment the low AC input voltage is an AC utility of about90-150 V AC, and the high AC input voltage is an AC utility of about200-280 V AC.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a methodfor implementing a hybrid FB-VD rectifier, comprising providing, for thehybrid FB-VD rectifier: first and second AC input terminals; first andsecond DC output terminals; a plurality of diodes; a first switchconnected in series with a first capacitor; a second switch connected inseries with a second capacitor; a third capacitor connected between thefirst and second DC output terminals; the method further comprising: fora low AC input voltage, operating the hybrid FB-VD rectifier accordingto at least first, second, and third working modes, the first workingmode corresponding to a positive half cycle of the AC input voltage andincluding the first switch conducting to charge the first capacitor andthe second switch conducting to charge third capacitor, and the secondcapacitor discharging; the second working mode corresponding to anegative half cycle of the AC input voltage and including the secondswitch conducting to charge the second capacitor and the first switchconducting to charge third capacitor, and the first capacitordischarging; and the third working mode including the first and secondswitches conducting and the first, second, and third capacitorsdischarging; for a high AC input voltage, operating the hybrid FB-VDrectifier such that the first switch and the second switch are notactive and only the third capacitor is charged and discharged.

In one embodiment, the low AC input voltage is an AC utility of about90-150 V AC, and the high AC input voltage is an AC utility of about200-280 V AC.

In one embodiment, the method may comprise implementing the hybrid FB-VDrectifier using first, second, third, and fourth diodes; wherein apositive terminal of the first diode is connected to both a negativeterminal of the second diode and the first input terminal; a negativeterminal of the first diode is connected to both a negative terminal ofthe third diode and a positive terminal of the first capacitor; apositive terminal of the third diode is connected to both the secondinput terminal and a second terminal of the first switch; a positiveterminal of the second diode is connected to both a positive terminal ofthe fourth diode and a second terminal of the second switch; a negativeterminal of the fourth diode is connected to the positive terminal ofthe third diode; a negative terminal of the first capacitor is connectedto a first terminal of the first switch; a second terminal of the firstswitch is connected to a positive terminal of the second capacitor; anegative terminal of the second capacitor is connected to a firstterminal of the second switch; a positive terminal of the thirdcapacitor is connected to both the first output terminal and a positiveterminal of the first capacitor, and a negative terminal of the thirdcapacitor is connected to both the second output terminal and the secondterminal of the second switch.

In one embodiment, the first capacitor and the second capacitor are 200V rating capacitors and the third capacitor is a 400 V rating capacitor.

In one embodiment, the first capacitor and the second capacitor are ofthe same value in μF.

In one embodiment, the first capacitor and the second capacitor are 47μF and the third capacitor is 22 μF.

In one embodiment, the first, second, third, and fourth diodes are 600V, 1 A and the first and second switches are 650 V, 190 mOhm MOSFETs.

The method may comprise implementing the hybrid FB-VD rectifier togetherwith a DC-DC converter in a power supply. The DC-DC converter may be aLLC resonant converter, LCLC resonant converter, LCC resonant converter,series resonant converter (SRC), parallel resonant converter (PRC),flyback converter or forward converter. The LLC converter may be asingle stage LLC converter comprising a transformer with a turns ratioof ten.

In one embodiment the low AC input voltage is an AC utility of about90-150 V AC, and the high AC input voltage is an AC utility of about200-280 V AC.

According to another aspect of the invention, provided are controllersfor controlling switches of the FB-VD rectifier embodiments, andoptionally also for controlling switches of the DC-DC converters.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show more clearlyhow it may be carried into effect, embodiments will be described indetail with reference of the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of a single stage LLC converter with a FB-VDrectifier, according to the prior art.

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of a conventional FB-VD rectifier.

FIG. 3A is a circuit diagram of a FB-VD rectifier #1 according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3B is a circuit diagram of a power adapter comprising the FB-VDrectifier #1 and a DC-DC converter, according to an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 4 is shows voltage (upper panel) and current (lower panel)waveforms of the FB-VD rectifier #1 embodiment of FIG. 3A, at 110V ACinput.

FIG. 5A is an operational mode diagram of the FB-VD rectifier #1embodiment of FIG. 3A at 110V AC input during the positive half cycle ofthe input voltage.

FIG. 5B is an operational mode diagram of the FB-VD rectifier #1embodiment of FIG. 3A at 110V AC input during the negative half cycle ofthe input voltage.

FIG. 6 shows voltage (upper panel) and current (lower panel) waveformsof the FB-VD rectifier #1 embodiment of FIG. 3A at 220V AC input.

FIG. 7A is an operational mode diagram showing a capacitor chargingprocess for the FB-VD rectifier #1 of FIG. 3A at 220V AC input duringthe positive half cycle of the input voltage.

FIG. 7B is an operational mode diagram showing a capacitor dischargingprocess for the FB-VD rectifier #1 of FIG. 3A at 220V AC input duringthe positive half cycle of the input voltage.

FIG. 7C is an operational mode diagram showing a capacitor chargingprocess for the FB-VD rectifier #1 of FIG. 3A at 220V AC input duringthe negative half cycle of the input voltage.

FIG. 7D is an operational mode diagram showing a capacitor dischargingprocess for the FB-VD rectifier #1 of FIG. 3A at 220V AC input duringthe negative half cycle of the input voltage.

FIG. 8A is a circuit diagram of a FB-VD rectifier #2 according toanother embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8B is a circuit diagram of a power adapter comprising the FB-VDrectifier #2 and a DC-DC converter, according to an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 9 shows voltage (upper panel) and current (lower panel) waveformsof the FB-VD rectifier #2 embodiment of FIG. 8A at 110V AC input.

FIG. 10A is a circuit diagram showing a first operational mode of theFB-VD rectifier #2 embodiment of FIG. 8A at 110V AC input.

FIG. 10B is a circuit diagram showing a second operational mode of theFB-VD rectifier #2 embodiment of FIG. 8A at 110V AC input.

FIG. 10C is a circuit diagram showing a third operational mode of theFB-VD rectifier #2 embodiment of FIG. 8A at 110V AC input.

FIG. 11 shows voltage (upper panel) and current (lower panel) waveformsof the FB-VD rectifier #2 embodiment of FIG. 8A at 220V AC input.

FIG. 12A is a circuit diagram showing a first operational mode of theFB-VD rectifier #2 embodiment of FIG. 8A at 220V AC input.

FIG. 12B is a circuit diagram showing a second operational mode of theFB-VD rectifier #2 embodiment of FIG. 8A at 220V AC input.

FIG. 13 shows rectified voltage waveforms of an FB-VD rectifier #2embodiment (with C₁=C₂=47 μF 200 V and C₃=22 μF 400 V) and of aconventional full bridge (FB) rectifier (with capacitor=68 μF 400V) for110 V 60 Hz AC input.

FIG. 14 shows rectified voltage waveforms of an FB-VD rectifier #2embodiment (with C₁=C₂=47 μF 200 V and C₃=22 μF 400 V) and of aconventional FB rectifier (with capacitor=68 μF 400V) for 220 V 50 Hz ACinput.

FIGS. 15A and 15B show simulated resonant current stress of two LLCconverter designs with voltage gains of 3.5 and 1.7, respectively.

FIG. 16 shows experimental waveforms of the FB-VD rectifier #1 at 110 V60 Hz AC input; Vac input voltage (100 V/div); Vo rectified DC voltage(100 V/div); Iac input current (2 A/div), according to an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 17 shows experimental waveforms of the FB-VD rectifier #1 at 220 V50 Hz AC input; Vac input voltage (100 V/div); Vo rectified DC voltage(100 V/div); VC2 (20 V/div); Iac input current (2 A/div), according toan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 shows experimental waveforms of the FB-VD rectifier #2 at 110 V60 Hz AC input; Vac input voltage (100 V/div); Vo rectified DC voltage(100 V/div); Iac input current (2 A/div), according to an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 19 shows experimental waveforms of the FB-VD rectifier #2 at 220 V50 Hz AC input; Vac input voltage (100 V/div); Vo rectified DC voltage(100 V/div); Iac input current (2 A/div), according to an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 20 shows experimental waveforms of an LLC converter at 200 V DCinput voltage and 700 kHz switching frequency; Vo DC voltage (5 V/div);V_(gs2) Q2 gate signal (5 V/div); Vds2 Q2 drain-source voltage (50V/div); I_(Lr) resonant current (1 A/div), according to an embodiment.

FIG. 21 shows experimental waveforms of an LLC converter at 265 V DCinput voltage and 850 kHz switching frequency; Vo DC voltage (5 V/div);V_(gs2) Q2 gate signal (5 V/div); Vds2 Q2 drain-source voltage (100V/div); I_(Lr) resonant current (1 A/div), according to an embodiment.

FIG. 22 shows experimental waveforms of an LLC converter at 310 V DCinput voltage and 1 MHz switching frequency; Vo DC voltage (10 V/div);V_(gs2) Q2 gate signal (10 V/div); Vds Q2 drain-source voltage (100V/div); I_(Lr) resonant current (1 A/div), according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

For the purpose of this description, a diode will be used as anon-limiting example for all elements characterized by single directionconduction. The positive terminal of a diode is referred to the anodeand the negative terminal is the cathode. It will be understood thatother suitable devices may be used for the elements in the embodiments.

For the purpose of this description, “switch” is intended to refer to aswitch where the current can flow in both directions and withstandvoltage in one direction, such as IGBT with a parallel diode, or MOSFETwhere the parallel diode is inherent.

For the purpose of this description, a MOSFET will be used as anon-limiting example for all the switches characterized by controllableconduction in the invention. For an N-channel MOSFET, for example, thefirst terminal is the drain, the second terminal is the source and thecontrol terminal is the gate. The control terminal of each switch in theembodiments described herein is provided with its own control signal.However, it will be understood that other suitable devices, such asIGBT, TRIAC, mechanical or solid state relay may be used for theswitches characterized by controllable conduction in the embodiments.

To ensure the current in a circuit branch including a switch may flow inboth directions, the switch may be reversely connected in parallel witha diode. For example, in a MOSFET, if the current direction is from thedrain to the source, the current is denoted as a positive current. Ifthe current direction is from the source to drain, i.e., the current isnegative, the current might flow in the MOSFET channel or the paralleldiode. Because of the opposite current direction, the parallel diode issometimes called reverse diode.

Throughout this description, the terms “first”, “second”, and so on areused to distinguish elements or operations from one another, and not toindicate a specific relationship or sequence among them.

Embodiments described herein relate to hybrid FB-VD rectifiers andsingle stage DC-DC converters incorporating the FB-VD rectifiers.Examples of suitable converters include, but are not limited to, LLCresonant converter, LCLC resonant converter, LCC resonant converter,series resonant converter (SRC), parallel resonant converter (PRC),flyback converter, forward converter, etc. Whereas embodiments aredescribed with single stage LLC converters, it will be appreciated thatthe invention is not limited thereto. The embodiments operate at two ACvoltage input levels, which may be referred to as a low AC input voltageand a high AC input voltage, wherein, in some embodiments, the high ACinput voltage may be double the low AC input voltage. Typical examplesare about 110-130 V AC for the low AC input voltage and about 220-260 VAC for the high AC input voltage, although other voltage ranges arepossible, such as, for example, 90-150 V AC and 200-280 V AC. Throughoutthis description, 110 V AC and 220 V AC will be used as the low and highAC voltages, as a practical application, but it will be appreciated thatthe embodiments are not limited thereto.

A hybrid FB-VD rectifier according to the embodiments works as a fullbridge rectifier for 220 V AC input, and as a voltage doubler rectifierfor 110 V AC input. It automatically switches between full bridge andvoltage doubler configuration to accommodate different AC input voltageranges. Embodiments may be used in many applications where AC-DC powerconversion is required. However, embodiments may be particularly usefulin AC-DC power adapters for portable devices such as smart phones,tablets, and laptop computers, due to their high efficiency and thecompact size and light weight that may be achieved in practicalimplementations.

Embodiments will be described in detail with reference of theaccompanying drawings.

FIG. 2 shows the circuit diagram of the conventional FB-VD rectifier. Itcan be seen from FIG. 2 that it comprises four diodes, two switches, andtwo capacitors. In a practical application such as operation at 220 V ACinput, the two capacitors should be 200 V rating electrolytic capacitorsof same capacitor value.

FIG. 3A is a circuit diagram of a hybrid FB-VD rectifier according to anembodiment of the invention. For the sake of brevity, the term “FB-VDrectifier #1” as used herein is intended to refer to this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the FB-VD rectifier #1 has two input terminalsI_(in1), I_(in2) and two output terminals I_(out1), I_(out2). Itcomprises four diodes (D₁, D₂, D₃, D₄), one switch (S), and twocapacitors (C₁ and C₂).

The positive terminal of the first diode D₁ is connected to both thenegative terminal of a second diode D₂ and the first input terminalI_(in1). The negative terminal of the first diode D₁ is connected toboth the negative terminal of a third diode D₃ and the positive terminalof the first capacitor C₁. The positive terminal of the third diode D₃is connected to both the second input terminal I_(in2) and the firstterminal of the switch S. The positive terminal of the second diode D₂is connected to both the positive terminal of the fourth diode D₄ andthe negative terminal of the second capacitor C₂. The negative terminalof the fourth diode D₄ is connected to the second terminal of the switchS. The positive terminal of the first capacitor C₁ is connected to thefirst output terminal I_(out1) and its negative terminal is connected toboth the positive terminal of the second capacitor C₂ and negativeterminal of the fourth diode D₄. The negative terminal of the secondcapacitor C₂ is connected to the second output terminal I_(out2).

In a practical application such as operation at 220 V AC input, thefirst capacitor C₁ should be a 400 V rating electrolytic capacitor andC₂ should be a 200 V rating electrolytic capacitor. A 400 V ratingcapacitor as C₂ is used for the 220 V AC case. It can be seen that onlyone switch (e.g., a MOSFET) is used instead of two in the conventionalstructure.

When the FB VD rectifier #1 is working in voltage doubler mode at 110 VAC, the conduction loss in the switches will be reduced to half ascompared to the conventional structure. Generally, 110 V AC is the worstcase in terms of efficiency because the current stress is high. Thus,saving the loss at 110 V AC is very desirable.

The waveforms of the FB-VD rectifier #1 at 110 V AC are shown in FIG. 4.Vac is the input voltage; Vo_FBVD_1 is the output voltage of therectifier; V_(C1) and V_(C2) are the voltage stresses on C₁ and C₂.I_(D1) and I_(D2) are the current stress in the diodes D₁ and D₂.

When the input AC voltage is below the output voltage, there is nocurrent in the circuit. The two capacitors C₁ and C₂ in series dischargeto provide power for the load. in the positive half cycle, when the ACvoltage magnitude is higher than the C₁ voltage, C₁ will be charged. Inthe negative half cycle, when the AC voltage magnitude is higher thanthe C₂ voltage, C₂ will be charged. The charging current isapproximately equal to the diode input current. An analysis on thecharging process is described below during which the input currentcauses loss in the rectifier.

The charging process of the FB-VD rectifier #1 at 110 V AC is shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B. During the positive half cycle, as shown in FIG. 5A,D₁, C₁, S conduct, and C₁ is charged by the AC source. The chargingcircuit loop is as follows: V_(ac)→D₁→C₁→S→V_(ac). It should be notedthat, during this process, C₂ is not charged, and it is discharging topower the load.

During the negative half cycle, as shown in FIG. 5B, S, C₂, D₂ conduct,and C₂ is charged by the AC source. The charging circuit loop is asfollows: V_(ac)→S→C₂→D₂→V_(ac). During this process, C₁ is dischargingto power the load.

FIG. 6 shows the waveforms of the FB-VD rectifier #1 at 220 V AC input.The output of the FB-VD rectifier #1 resembles the full bridge rectifierdespite that C₁ will be around 400 V, while C₂ only slightlyparticipates the power transfer. For the sake of brevity, it is notdescried in detail here.

The operational modes of the FB-VD rectifier #1 at 220 V AC are shown inFIGS. 7A-7D.

The charging process in the positive half cycle is shown in FIG. 7A. D₁,C₁ and the body diode of S conduct to charge C₁ through the circuitloop: V_(ac)→D₁→C₁→S→V_(ac). However, C₂ is not charged due to the lackof charging path. D₄ works to power the load, which also clamps C₂ to 0V.

During the discharging process in the positive half cycle, as shown inFIG. 7B, C₁ is discharged through D₄ to power the load. C₂ is stillclamped to 0 V.

FIG. 7C shows the charging process in the negative half cycle. C₁ and C₂are both charged together through D₂ and D₃. The charging circuit loopis as follows: V_(ac)→D₃→C₁→C₂→D₂→V_(ac). As the equivalent capacitanceof the two capacitors is reduced to only half C₁ (or C₂), the inputcurrent is also reduced to approximately half as compared to thepositive half cycle.

FIG. 7D shows the discharging process in the negative half cycle. As C₂has been charged in the previous stage (FIG. 7C), it also participatesthe discharging. When C₂ voltage reduces to 0 V, then D₄ will conduct,and C₁ alone provides power to the load. The process is same as thatshown in FIG. 7B when C₂ voltage reduces to 0 V.

FIG. 8A is a circuit diagram of a second hybrid FB-VD rectifieraccording to another embodiment of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the second hybrid FB-VD rectifier has two inputterminals I_(in1), I_(in2) and two output terminals I_(out1), I_(out2).It comprises four diodes (D₁, D₂, D₃, D₄), two switches (S₁ and S₂) andthree capacitors (C₁, C₂ and C₃). For the sake of brevity, the term“FB-VD rectifier #2” as used herein is intended to refer to the secondhybrid FB-VD rectifier embodiment.

The positive terminal of the first diode D₁ is connected to both thenegative terminal of the second diode D₂ and the first input terminalI_(in1). The negative terminal of the first diode D₁ is connected toboth the negative terminal of the third diode D₃ and the positiveterminal of the first capacitor C₁. The positive terminal of the thirddiode D₃ is connected to both the second input terminal I_(in2) and thesecond terminal of the first switch S₁. The positive terminal of thesecond diode D₂ is connected to both the positive terminal of the fourthdiode D₄ and the second terminal of the second switch S₂. The negativeterminal of the fourth diode D₄ is connected to the positive terminal ofthe third diode D₃. The negative terminal of the first capacitor C₁ isconnected to the first terminal of the first switch S₁ whose secondterminal is connected to the positive terminal of the second capacitorC₂. The negative terminal of the second capacitor C₂ is connected to thefirst terminal of the second switch S₂. The positive terminal of thethird capacitor C₃ is connected to both the first output terminalI_(out1) and the positive terminal of the first capacitor C₁, and thenegative terminal of the third capacitor C₃ is connected to both thesecond output terminal I_(out2) and the second terminal of the secondswitch S₂.

As shown in FIG. 8A, for the FB-VD rectifier #2, two switches S₁ and S₂are placed on the capacitor shunt branches instead of the common branchas in the conventional structure (see FIG. 2). Thus, the conduction lossin S₁ and S₂ is only half as compared to that in the conventionalstructure. The configuration of the FB-VD rectifier #2 is even morebeneficial when thermal characteristics are considered, because the hotspot is split. At 220 V AC operation, C₁ and C₂ will not be connected.

In a practical application, a 400 V rating capacitor C₃ is needed forfull bridge mode operation. The value of C₃ is small, as the voltageripple of 220 V AC input is much smaller than the 110 V AC case. Whenoperating at 110 V, C₁, C₂ and C₃ will operate. Thus, the C₁ and C₂values can be selected smaller as compared to the conventionalstructure.

In one embodiment, C₁ and C₂ capacitance values are chosen as 47 μF at200 V rating and C₃ is chosen as 22 μF at 400 V rating. Thus, theoverall size of C₁, C₂ and C₃ is similar to the two 68 μF capacitors at200 V rating in the conventional FB-VD structure, since the totalproduct of capacitance and rating voltage (simplified as CV) is veryclose.

The waveforms of the FB-VD rectifier #2 at 110 V AC are shown in FIG. 9.Vac is the input AC voltage at 60 Hz; Vo_FBVD_2 is the output voltage ofthe rectifier V_(C1) and V_(C2) are the voltages on C₁ and C₂respectively, I_(D1) and I_(D2) are respectively the current stress inthe diodes D₁ and D₂.

FIGS. 10A-10C show the operational modes of the FB-VD rectifier #2 at110 V AC input. During the positive half cycle, as shown in FIG. 10A, C₁is charged through D₁ and S₁ and the charging circuit loop isV_(ac)→D₁→C₁→S₁→V_(ac). C₃ is charged through D₁ and S₂, and thecharging circuit loop is V_(ac)→D₁→C₃→S₂→C₂→V_(ac). C₂ discharges toprovide current for both C₃ and the load. As can be observed in FIG. 9,there is a small decrease in V_(C2) while C₁ is charged.

During the negative half cycle, as shown in FIG. 10B, C₂ is chargedthrough S₂ and D₂, and the charging circuit loop isV_(ac)→C₂→S₂→D₂→V_(ac). C₃ is charged through S1 and D₂, and thecharging circuit loop is V_(ac)→S₁→C₁→C₃→D₂→V_(ac). C₁ discharges toprovide current for both C₃ and the load.

As shown in FIG. 10C, when the capacitors are not charging, C₁ and C₂are connected in series and provide power to the load with C₃ inparallel during the positive and negative half cycles.

FIG. 11 shows the waveforms of the FB-VD rectifier #2 at 220 V AC input.C₁, C₂, S₁ and S₂ remain idle at 220 V. D₁, D₂, D₃, D₄ and C₃ operate asa full bridge rectifier.

The operation of FB-VD rectifier #2 at 220 V AC is shown in FIGS. 12Aand 12B. The capacitor C₃ charging processes during the positive andnegative half cycles are shown in FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B, respectively,D₁ and D₄ conduct during the positive half cycle, and D₂ and D₃ for thenegative half cycle.

When the rectifier is not working (i.e., when D₁, D₂, D₃, D₄ are notconducting), C₃ provides power for the load.

The FB-VD rectifiers #1 and #2 will be analyzed and compared with theconventional structure (FIG. 2) with loss and power densityconsiderations.

The specifications of the conventional FB-VD rectifier and theembodiments used in the analysis are shown in Table I. The analysis wasconducted at 65 W. For safety considerations, 650 V MOSFETs were used asswitches in the FB-VD rectifiers. In the table, the power density wascalculated based on a 65 W, 1 MHz LLC prototype of 7.5 cm (L)*3.2 cm(W)*2.2 cm (H).

TABLE I SPECIFICATIONS OF THE FB-VD RECTIFIERS Conventional FB-VD FB-VDFB-VD rectifier rectifier #1 rectifier #2 Po 65 W D₁-D₄ 600 V 1 V@1 A(ES1J) MOSFETs 650 V 190 mOhm (IPD65R190C7) Switch No. 2 1 2 C₁ 68 μF(200 V) 68 μF (400 V) 47 μF (200 V) C₂ 68 μF (200 V) 68 μF (200 V) 47 μF(200 V) C₃ N/A N/A 22 μF (400 V) CV product 27,200 μF*V 40,800 μF*V27,600 μF*V Power density 1.23 W/cm³ 1.15 W/cm³ 1.23 W/cm³

The loss breakdown for the three FB-VD rectifiers at 110 V and 220 V issummarized in Table II and Table III, respectively. The forward voltagedrop of the input diode bridge used for the calculations was 1V. Theloss angle of the electrolytic capacitor used for the calculations was0.15, which is a commonly seen value in the vendor's datasheet. TheMOSFET Rdson is as in Table I. The current stress in the components wasdetermined from PSIM (Powersim Inc., Rockville, Md., USA) simulation.

For 110 V AC input, at which the losses are nearly doubled due to thehigh current, the FB-VD rectifier #1 and the FB-VD rectifier #2 hadlower overall loss than the conventional FB-VD rectifier. As shown inTable II, the overall loss was reduced from almost 1 W to about 0.75 W,which is a ¼ reduction. With this, the total efficiency improvesapproximately 0.4% (0.25 W/65 W). It should be noted that if D₂ and D₄are replaced with MOSFETs operating as synchronous rectifiers (SR), thenthe efficiency improvement will be even more significant because theconduction loss will be lower. It was observed that at 220 V operation,the three FB-VD rectifiers have similar losses (see Table III).

TABLE II LOSS BREAKDOWN FOR FB-VD RECTIFIERS AT 110 V AC ConventionalFB-VD FB-VD FB-VD rectifier rectifier #1 rectifier #2 D₁-D₄ 0.512 W0.512 W 0.548 W S₁, S₂ 0.435 W 0.218 W  0.15 W C₁, C₂  0.03 W  0.03 W 0.03 W C₃ N/A N/A 0.002 W Total  0.98 W  0.76 W  0.73 W

TABLE III LOSS BREAKDOWN FOR FB-VD RECTIFIERS AT 220 V AC ConventionalFB-VD FB-VD FB-VD rectifier rectifier #1 rectifier #2 D₁-D₄ 0.474 W0.452 W 0.48 W S₁, S₂    0 W  0.07 W   0 W C₁, C₂ 0.017 W  0.03 W   0 WC₃ N/A N/A 0.02 W Total  0.49 W  0.55 W  0.5 W

As noted above, the hybrid FB-VD rectifier embodiments may be used withDC-DC converters to achieve high efficiency, small size, and lightweight in a power adapter. For example, a power adapter may compriseFB-VD rectifier #1 or FB-VD rectifier #2, and a single stage DC-DCconverter, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 8B, respectively. The outputterminals of the hybrid FB-VD rectifier are connected to the inputterminals of the DC-DC converter.

In one embodiment, the single-stage DC-DC converter may be a LLCconverter. For example, an LLC converter such as the LLC converter partof FIG. 1 may be used. Use of a hybrid rectifier reduces the operationalDC input voltage range, i.e., the required voltage gain, of the LLCstage. By doing so, a large magnetizing inductor could be used to reduceboth the magnetizing and the resonant current (and thus the conductingloss) in the resonant tank.

Design specifications for one such embodiment are summarized in TableIV. The maximum DC input voltage is calculated from 264 V*1.414=373 V(264 Vac=220 Vac*120%, where 120% is the generally recognized maximumfluctuation of the AC grid), at which the LLC converter should operateat the resonant frequency. Based on these criteria, the turns ratio isdesigned at 10:1 for 19 V output voltage.

TABLE IV DESIGN SPECIFICATION Input AC Voltage  90 V AC-264 V AC MaxInput DC Voltage 373 V DC Output Voltage  19 V DC Turns Ratio 10:1Output Power 65 W

The rectified DC voltage of the FB-VD rectifier #2 is used as an exampleto compare with that of a full bridge rectifier (note: not theconventional FB-VD rectifier) for both 220 V, 50 Hz and 110 V, 60 Hz ACinput. Results for the FB-VD rectifier #1 are expected to be similar.For the FB-VD rectifier #2, two 47 μF capacitors at 200 V rating plusone 22 μF capacitor at 400 V rating were used. For the full bridgerectifier, one 68 μF 400 V rating capacitor was used to match the CVproduct (size) of the capacitors used in the FB-VD rectifier #2. Therectified DC voltages of both configurations are shown in FIG. 13 andFIG. 14. In FIG. 13, the DC voltage range (Vo_FB) is from 107 V to 152 Vfor the full bridge rectifier. For the FB-VD rectifier #2, the DCvoltage (Vo_FBVD_2) increases to between 225 V and 260 V.

In FIG. 14, the DC voltage range for the full bridge rectifier at 220 Vinput is very narrow, usually between 278 V and 305 V. For the FB-VDrectifier, the minimum DC voltage is about 223 V, which remains veryclose to that at 110 V case.

The conclusion here is that with a LLC converter comprising a FB-VDrectifier embodiment, the rectified DC voltage range is reducedsignificantly. It is observed that the minimum DC voltage increases from107 V to 223 V, which means the required voltage gain for the LLC stageis reduced from 3.5 (373 V/107 V) to 1.7 (373 V/223 V).

TABLE V LLC PARAMETER DESIGN LLC Design #1 LLC Design #2 Lr 7 μH 7 μH Cr2 nF 2 nF Lm 15 μH 35 μH Gain (Vin _min) 3.5 (107 V) 1.7 (223 V)

FIGS. 15A and 15B show a resonant current comparison for two LLCconverter designs (LLC Design #1 and LLC Design #2) based on 107 V and223 V minimum input. The LLC design parameters are shown in Table V. Itis observed that the resonant current is reduced significantly(approximately halved) in terms of both RMS value and peak value, withthe required voltage gain being reduced from 3.5 for LLC Design #1 to1.7 for LLC Design #2. Based on these results it is suggested that theconducting loss in the half bridge (HB) switches and the transformers(with inductor integrated) is quartered.

65 W prototypes were built to verify the feasibility of the FB-VDrectifier #1 and #2 embodiments, based on the parameters given in TableIV. The design specifications of the FB-VD rectifiers shown in Table Iwere used. The FB-VD rectifier #1 and #2 were tested alone to generatethe results in FIGS. 16-19. An LLC converter according to the LLC Design#2 parameters shown in Table V was built and tested to generate theresults in FIGS. 20-22.

FIG. 16 shows the measured waveforms of the FB-VD rectifier #1 at 110 V60 Hz AC input operation. The rectified DC voltage is from 225 V to 275V, which agrees with the simulation results. The peak value of the inputcurrent stress is 4 A. This is somewhat higher than that from thesimulation due to the impact of the parasitic components in the circuit.

FIG. 17 shows the measured waveforms of the FB-VD rectifier #1 at 220 V50 Hz AC input operation. The results have very good agreement withthose of the simulation. During the positive half cycle, only C₁ ischarged. During the negative half, both C₁ and C₂ are charged. Thisexplains the asymmetric current waveform.

FIG. 18 shows the measured waveforms of the FB-VD rectifier #2 at 110 V60 Hz AC input operation. FIG. 19 shows the waveforms of the FB-VDrectifier #2 at 220 V 50 Hz AC input operation. The results have goodagreement with those of the analysis and simulation.

In practical situations, considering the losses in the power train, aswell as 100 V AC input operation, the input voltage of the LLC stageshould be designed to operate over an even wider voltage range. In thisembodiment, the LLC stage can operate from 200 V to 370 V.

FIG. 20 shows the measured waveforms of the LLC Design #2 at 200 V DCoperation. The switching frequency is 700 kHz. The resonant current iscontrolled below 1 A with a relatively large magnetizing inductor L_(m)of 35 μH. As can be observed, the HB switches achieve zero voltageswitching (ZVS) even at 200 V, which is the lowest input voltage.

FIG. 21 shows the measured waveform of the LLC Design #2 at 265 V DCinput condition. This is the generally the maximum input voltage at 110V AC. The switching frequency is 850 kHz. The resonant tank current is0.85 A as RMS value.

FIG. 22 shows the measured waveform of the LLC Design #2 at 310 V DCinput condition, which is the maximum voltage at 220 V AC input. Theswitching frequency reaches 1 MHz. The resonant tank current is 0.75 Aas RMS value, and ZVS operation can be achieved.

It is noted that the waveforms of FIGS. 20-22 are not in the same timescale (400 ns/div) as the waveforms of FIGS. 16-19 (4 ms/div).

EQUIVALENTS

While the invention has been described with respect to illustrativeembodiments thereof, it will be understood that various changes may bemade to the embodiments without departing from the scope of theinvention. Accordingly, the described embodiments are to be consideredmerely exemplary and the invention is not to be limited thereby.

1-23. (canceled)
 24. A hybrid full bridge-voltage doubler (FB-VD)rectifier, comprising: first and second AC input terminals; first andsecond DC output terminals; a plurality of diodes; a first switchconnected in series with a first capacitor; a second switch connected inseries with a second capacitor; a third capacitor connected between thefirst and second DC output terminals; wherein, for a low AC inputvoltage, the hybrid FB-VD rectifier operates according to at leastfirst, second, and third working modes, the first working modecorresponding to a positive half cycle of the AC input voltage andincluding the first switch conducting to charge the first capacitor andthe second switch conducting to charge third capacitor, and the secondcapacitor discharging; the second working mode corresponding to anegative half cycle of the AC input voltage and including the secondswitch conducting to charge the second capacitor and the first switchconducting to charge third capacitor, and the first capacitordischarging; and the third working mode including the first and secondswitches conducting and the first, second, and third capacitorsdischarging; wherein, for a high AC input voltage, the first switch andthe second switch are not active and only the third capacitor is chargedand discharged.
 25. The hybrid FB-VD rectifier of claim 24, wherein thelow AC input voltage is an AC utility of about 90-150 V AC, and the highAC input voltage is an AC utility of about 200-280 V AC.
 26. The hybridFB-VD rectifier of claim 24, comprising: first, second, third, andfourth diodes; wherein a positive terminal of the first diode isconnected to both a negative terminal of the second diode and the firstinput terminal; a negative terminal of the first diode is connected toboth a negative terminal of the third diode and a positive terminal ofthe first capacitor; a positive terminal of the third diode is connectedto both the second input terminal and a second terminal of the firstswitch; a positive terminal of the second diode is connected to both apositive terminal of the fourth diode and a second terminal of thesecond switch; a negative terminal of the fourth diode is connected tothe positive terminal of the third diode; a negative terminal of thefirst capacitor is connected to a first terminal of the first switch; asecond terminal of the first switch is connected to a positive terminalof the second capacitor; a negative terminal of the second capacitor isconnected to a first terminal of the second switch; a positive terminalof the third capacitor is connected to both the first output terminaland a positive terminal of the first capacitor, and a negative terminalof the third capacitor is connected to both the second output terminaland the second terminal of the second switch.
 27. The hybrid FB-VDrectifier of claim 25, wherein the first capacitor and the secondcapacitor are 200 V rating capacitors and the third capacitor is a 400 Vrating capacitor.
 28. The hybrid FB-VD rectifier of claim 24, whereinthe first capacitor and the second capacitor are of the same value inμF.
 29. The hybrid FB-VD rectifier of claim 25, wherein the firstcapacitor and the second capacitor are 47 μF and the third capacitor is22 μF.
 30. The hybrid FB-VD rectifier of claim 25, wherein the first,second, third, and fourth diodes are 600 V, 1 A and the first and secondswitches are 650 V, 190 mOhm MOSFETs.
 31. A power supply comprising thehybrid FB-VD rectifier of claim 24, and a LLC converter.
 32. The powersupply of claim 31, wherein the low AC input voltage is an AC utility ofabout 90-150 V AC, and the high AC input voltage is an AC utility ofabout 200-280 V AC.
 33. The power supply of claim 31, for use with aportable electronic device.
 34. The power supply of claim 32, whereinthe LLC converter is a single stage LLC converter comprising atransformer with a turns ratio of ten.
 35. A method for implementing ahybrid full bridge-voltage doubler (FB-VD) rectifier, comprising:providing, for the hybrid FB-VD rectifier: first and second AC inputterminals; first and second DC output terminals; a plurality of diodes;a first switch connected in series with a first capacitor; a secondswitch connected in series with a second capacitor; a third capacitorconnected between the first and second DC output terminals; the methodfurther comprising: for a low AC input voltage, operating the hybridFB-VD rectifier according to at least first, second, and third workingmodes, the first working mode corresponding to a positive half cycle ofthe AC input voltage and including the first switch conducting to chargethe first capacitor and the second switch conducting to charge thirdcapacitor, and the second capacitor discharging; the second working modecorresponding to a negative half cycle of the AC input voltage andincluding the second switch conducting to charge the second capacitorand the first switch conducting to charge third capacitor, and the firstcapacitor discharging; and the third working mode including the firstand second switches conducting and the first, second, and thirdcapacitors discharging; for a high AC input voltage, operating thehybrid FB-VD rectifier such that the first switch and the second switchare not active and only the third capacitor is charged and discharged.36. The method of claim 35, wherein the low AC input voltage is an ACutility of about 90-150 V AC, and the high AC input voltage is an ACutility of about 200-280 V AC.
 37. The method of claim 35, comprisingimplementing the hybrid FB-VD rectifier using first, second, third, andfourth diodes; wherein a positive terminal of the first diode isconnected to both a negative terminal of the second diode and the firstinput terminal; a negative terminal of the first diode is connected toboth a negative terminal of the third diode and a positive terminal ofthe first capacitor; a positive terminal of the third diode is connectedto both the second input terminal and a second terminal of the firstswitch; a positive terminal of the second diode is connected to both apositive terminal of the fourth diode and a second terminal of thesecond switch; a negative terminal of the fourth diode is connected tothe positive terminal of the third diode; a negative terminal of thefirst capacitor is connected to a first terminal of the first switch; asecond terminal of the first switch is connected to a positive terminalof the second capacitor; a negative terminal of the second capacitor isconnected to a first terminal of the second switch; a positive terminalof the third capacitor is connected to both the first output terminaland a positive terminal of the first capacitor, and a negative terminalof the third capacitor is connected to both the second output terminaland the second terminal of the second switch.
 38. The method of claim36, wherein the first capacitor and the second capacitor are 200 Vrating capacitors and the third capacitor is a 400 V rating capacitor.39. The method of claim 35, wherein the first capacitor and the secondcapacitor are of the same value in μF.
 40. The method of claim 36,wherein the first capacitor and the second capacitor are 47 μF and thethird capacitor is 22 μF.
 41. The method of claim 36, wherein the first,second, third, and fourth diodes are 600 V, 1 A and the first and secondswitches are 650 V, 190 mOhm MOSFETs.
 42. The method of claim 35,further comprising implementing the hybrid FB-VD rectifier together witha LLC converter in a power supply.
 43. The method of claim 42, whereinthe low AC input voltage is an AC utility of about 90-150 V AC, and thehigh AC input voltage is an AC utility of about 200-280 V AC.
 44. Themethod of claim 42, wherein the power supply is for use with a portableelectronic device.
 45. The method of claim 43, wherein the LLC converteris a single stage LLC converter comprising a transformer with a turnsratio of ten.